And though stores in most states saw the cost rise above the
original $1.99, Trader Joe's stores in California still
maintained the base price of $1.99 for its Charles Shaw wines—
that is, until two days ago.

Californians will be joining those in Oregon and Washington that
already pay the $2.49 price. The wines are also $2.59 in Maine,
$2.79 in Georgia, $3.79 in Ohio, and $2.99 in every other state.
The varying prices are due to state laws, taxes, and shipment
fees.

"In general, our retail prices change only when our costs
change," Alison Mochizuki, director of public relations for
Trader Joe's, told Press Democrat. "We've held a $1.99 retail
price for 11 years. Quite a bit has happened during those years
and the move to $2.49 allows us to offer the same quality that
has made the wine famous the world over."

The Charles Shaw brand has been able to keep its prices so stable
thanks mainly to its parent company Bronco Wine Co., which owns 40,000 acres of vineyard land and
allows the company to absorb fluctuations in grape prices.

So what will shoppers call "Two-Buck Chuck" now? Suggestions
submitted to the Press Democrat included "Inflation Chuck,"
"Upchuck" and simply "Chuck." Leave yours in the comments.